More Than a Meal: Preventing Wasted Food in Skagit County

January 23, 2027- May 9, 2027

Curated by WSU Skagit County Extension in collaboration with the Skagit Food Waste Prevention Coalition

Every meal tells a story. Before food reaches our plates, it represents the dedication of farmers and fishers, the labor of farmworkers, the care of food processors and grocers, and the natural resources required to grow, harvest, transport, and prepare it. Soil, water, sunlight, fuel, and countless human hands all contribute to the journey from farm to family table.

More Than a Meal invites visitors to see food through a new lens—one that recognizes its environmental, economic, cultural, and nutritional value. Through art, interactive displays, and community voices, the exhibition explores how wasted food affects everyone, from agricultural producers to families at home. 

When edible food is discarded, we lose the valuable resources used to produce it, and the opportunity to nourish people and strengthen community. This exhibition demonstrates that each household has the power to make a meaningful difference. Simple actions such as planning meals, storing food properly, understanding date labels, using leftovers creatively, donating, and composting can reduce waste, stretch grocery budgets, and improve nutrition. Small changes multiplied across thousands of households can conserve resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help build a more resilient food system.

By inspiring practical solutions for preventing wasted food, More Than a Meal encourages us to honor every bite. Together, we can protect our natural resources, support local agriculture and aquaculture, save money, and ensure that good food fulfills its greatest purpose—nourishing people rather than filling landfills.